Nigel Bradham (28), EaglesHe has developed into a quality three-down contributor with some playmaking prowess, both in run and pass D.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FREE AGENTS

Tahir Whitehead (27), LionsHe can be very disruptive when pinning his ears back and pursuing the ball—needs to be a piece in a linebacking unit, not its headliner.

Avery Williamson (26), TitansHe rarely came off the field in Tennessee thanks to his gap-soundness in run D and serviceability against the pass.

NaVorro Bowman (29), RaidersIt’s hard to imagine the Raiders not making a strong run at re-signing him given the way he saved their decrepit linebacking corps last year. It is, however, a new coaching staff there…

Paul Posluszny (33), JaguarsHe doesn’t run like he used to, but is so smart and fundamentally sound (flawless?) that it often doesn’t matter.

Todd Davis (25), BroncosHe’s higher on this list because he’s so stingy against the run, but his vulnerability in coverage could leave him with less money than guys below him (like Hitchens, Pierre-Louis and maybe even Bynes).

Anthony Hitchens (25), CowboysThe talent is evident, but he couldn’t secure an every-down role last season. Why?

Preston Brown (25), BillsAverage in every sense of the word.

Demario Davis (29), JetsHe’s too young to be washing up, but where was he down the stretch?

Karlos Dansby (36), CardinalsOne of those guys who does everything right, which makes coaches comfortable. That’s why he’ll always crack the starting lineup if he’s on the roster.

Kevin Pierre-Louis (26), ChiefsKansas City’s defense at times looked better when he rotated in for an aging Derrick Johnson.

Jon Bostic (26), ColtsHe’s by no means dynamic, but has developed good awareness in zone coverage.

Josh Bynes (28), LionsMultiple times for the Lions and Cardinals he did a stellar job as a fill-in first-teamer. He’s worth considering as a passing-down specialist.

Will Compton (28), WashingtonA few times he’s earned playing time ahead of more talented players. He’s worth signing as a source of quality depth.

Christian Jones (27), BearsMost of his snaps have come as a passing-down specialist. Given how much nickel teams play these days, could he garner low-end starter money?

Devon Kennard (26), GiantsBrings value as a strong-side ’backer who can get physical with tight ends off the snap.